402 The Dangers Ahead

Arran remained silent for several moments, studying Nisra as he considered the situation. She was undeniably pretty, with dark eyes and a kind face that revealed not a trace of guile or hostility. Even now, she appeared more like a friendly maidservant than the daughter of one of the Imperium's most powerful nobles.

She was young, too — even younger than he'd realized. From her appearance, he guessed that she had yet to leave her teen years behind her, and he could tell that her youth was genuine rather than the youthful agelessness of Body Refiners.

Yet for all her youth and beauty, there was something about her that left him wary — a hint of cunning, carefully concealed behind her harmless appearance.

"What do you want?" he finally asked, deciding that there was no point in dancing around the question.